Grumpy the Gator

In Grumpy the Gator, a group of children playing encounter a grumpy alligator. The story teaches children to always keep a safe distance from animals in the wild, and to find an adult if they see an alligator.

Grumpy the Gator

Its Always A Story With The Hendersons

Delayed, cancelled, finally home…

Last week, my husband Alan was required to take a business trip. His flight was booked, hotel booked and even though flying is not his favorite activity, he was ready for the adventure.
The flight on Sunday was uneventful. Arriving at the destination airport, finding a cab to the hotel (as there was no shuttle to the hotel) and meeting new people who were also attending the seminar were all part of the days activities.
The week continued with classes everyday, learning new business procedures, and at the end of each daily session, heading back to the hotel to rest and prepare for the next day. A typical business trip.
All was well and I couldn’t wait for him to arrive home on Thursday evening.
Until… Thursday arrived. Packing his belongings on Thursday morning, which include computer, CPAP machine, suitcase, and also a temporary heart monitor the doctor has asked him to wear for a certain period of time, Alan was ready to head for the airport.
He called frequently with updates. “I’m leaving for the airport.” “I’m at the airport, checking in and going through security.” “Now, I’m checked in and going to get a bite to eat while I wait for my flight.”
Great news. He was on the way home. Until…
Another call. Another text. “Flight delayed. Not sure what is going on. We are told it won’t be delayed long.”
More texts shortly afterwards. “Flight delayed. Plane isn’t here. Flight crew has timed out. Waiting for another crew.”
Then… “Airline reports computer glitch. Hundreds of flights cancelled. Airport is extremely hot. Thousands of people stranded. Not sure what will happen next. I’m going to try to rent a car.”
Next message was that no car reservations were being honored. So many people tried to rent cars that there were no cars available.
I turned on the t.v. to find a reporter telling about the “computer glitch” causing flights to be cancelled at the airport. Oh no!!
Many calls and texts back and forth between Alan and me. Finally, the only thing left to do was find a hotel room and spend the night and try to find a flight again the next day. There was no comfort in knowing he would be away from home another night, especially since he had developed a chest cold while traveling. What a mess!
A new flight was scheduled for the next day at 4:19pm. Upon arriving at the airport, Alan noticed the board with the flight schedule starting to change, just like the previous day. “Oh, no, here we go again.” More cancelled flights.
His flight was delayed but finally loaded with people and luggage and was able to head for Charleston SC. Alan was only 3 and 1/2 hours away from home, by car. Only 35 minutes away from home, by plane. So close and yet so far…
The last adventure was when the plane was able to land in Charleston, there was a terrible lightning storm. So, of course, passengers could not leave the plane. Pretzels and bottled water were handed out as everyone sat and waited for permission to disembark from the plane.
After almost 2 hours of sitting in the plane on the tarmac, passengers were allowed to leave the plane.
Alan’s luggage had gone ahead the previous day, even though no flight for him was available.
We kept asking each other this question. “Wonder what we are supposed to be learning from these events? How can we glorify God in all of this mess?”
One thing to remember is that whatever we are experiencing, there are ways to find God and show His love to others. In all the grouchiness of people at the airport and all the worries of when he would arrive home, Alan kept his cool and showed God’s love in all his words and actions.
I am proud of my husband. These were a few very trying, hard days. He wanted to be home instead of at the airport and I wanted him to be home.
This morning, the news is reporting there is still a “computer glitch” at the airport and many people continue to be stranded. We pray their flights resume soon and they arrive safely at their destination.
So close and yet so far… Does that describe anyone you know? So close to being near to God, yet so far away…. How can we show others the way to God?
Happy Summer and safe travels for everyone,
Blessings,
Mimi

0
44 Comments
  • Ann Westerman
    Posted at 17:28h, 21 June Reply

    Interesting. Glad he made it home safely and was able to maintain his “cool” under stressful circumstances

    • mimionlife
      Posted at 20:41h, 21 June Reply

      Thank you Ann. God provided both of us with patience. Have a blessed day! šŸ™‚

  • stalnakerdeanna@yahoo.com
    Posted at 17:44h, 21 June Reply

    What an adventure he had. I’m assuming he’s home now. What a way to glean a good message out an unfortunate circumstance. God can use every little thing that happens in our lives to be a witness for him.

    • mimionlife
      Posted at 20:40h, 21 June Reply

      We continue to be amazed at how God can use any situation to teach us lessons and give us opportunity to show His love. Thanks for reading and commenting. Have a blessed day! šŸ™‚

  • Yvonne
    Posted at 20:57h, 21 June Reply

    Traveling can be such a hassle and can cause such a negative reactions, even for a Christian. It is hard to understand what God has planned in the midst of turmoil but He is there.

    • mimionlife
      Posted at 20:59h, 21 June Reply

      Amen Yvonne. God always has a plan and we may not know the plan. But, we can have comfort in knowing we are not alone. šŸ™‚ Have a blessed day!

  • June Foster
    Posted at 21:21h, 21 June Reply

    Melissa, I was right there with you as you described Alan’s adventure. I can understand his and your frustration. I was in the Dallas airport for 7 hours waiting for a delayed plane and it was hard to be patient. I’m so proud of your husband as well. I know he was a witness to others. Thanks for sharing the story. PS, I hope he enjoyed the conference.

    • mimionlife
      Posted at 21:25h, 21 June Reply

      June, I am sorry you had your own adventure at the Dallas airport. I am so glad Alan finally arrived home from the Charlotte NC airport. I am still seeing news reports of delayed and cancelled flights and people sleeping in the airport. No fun at all. Thanks for reading and commenting. Have a blessed day! Hugs!

  • karentfriday
    Posted at 21:30h, 21 June Reply

    What a trip! Something similar happened to my brother the first time he was coming to meet me and my twin sister for the first time from Texas to Tennessee. He had to spend the night at the airport trying to get on a plane first thing the next morning. Then he still encountered problems at his next layover.

    • mimionlife
      Posted at 23:30h, 21 June Reply

      He doesn’t fly often and doesn’t usually have bad experiences. But this time was wild. So glad he is home. Have a great evening! šŸ™‚

  • Jill Weatherholt
    Posted at 22:38h, 21 June Reply

    Oh no. Was he coming through Charlotte, Mimi? We’ve had major issues lately with people camping out in the airport for days.

    • mimionlife
      Posted at 23:31h, 21 June Reply

      Jill, yes it was Charlotte airport. I keep reading on the news that people are still having a hard time with their flights. Alan doesn’t want to fly again. šŸ™‚ Have a good evening!

  • Vickie @Vickie's Kitchen and Garden
    Posted at 01:42h, 22 June Reply

    What a mess! I bet he was so glad to see home again. Things like that make you appreciate your home even more. I have only flown once and I’m glad that everything went smoothly then or I would have never got on!

    • mimionlife
      Posted at 12:51h, 22 June Reply

      He keeps saying how he doesn’t want to fly again. But, if work requires him to fly, he’ll have to go. Hope everyone else is returning home safely. Have a blessed day! šŸ™‚

  • Melinda Viergever Inman
    Posted at 04:07h, 22 June Reply

    What a trying situation! Showing Christian love and kindness to those around him would have been a serious challenge! Iā€™m glad you have him safely home over such a trying trip!

    • mimionlife
      Posted at 23:30h, 22 June Reply

      I am glad to have him home this weekend. What a difference a few days makes! Thanks for reading and commenting. Enjoy your weekend. šŸ™‚

  • Karen
    Posted at 04:56h, 22 June Reply

    What an unexpected adventure, Mimi, for you both. So glad it turned out okay, even though emotions may have frazzled over the delays and inconveniences. My summer plans have been turned upside down unexpectedly, just like your husband’s adventure. I can relate. But it’s important to realize that the Lord is guiding us along our paths and things happen for a reason, although we may never know why. We just have to keep trusting God and growing in our faith. Blessings for a delightful summer! xo

    • mimionlife
      Posted at 12:52h, 22 June Reply

      Karen, you are absolutely right. God was working His plan through that whole adventure. We may never know the plan, but we are comforted by knowing God is in control. šŸ™‚ Have a blessed day!

  • Marcie Cramsey
    Posted at 15:59h, 23 June Reply

    Glad your husband made it home. I have experienced that kind of trouble at the airport. Crazy! And scary depending on where you are when it happens. I like how you connect this real story to those who are so close to God but so far. It’s true. Some are on the cusps of seeing Jesus and inviting Him into their life, but they are so distracted by their mess and the stuff in which they are wrapped up. We must continue to show them His love and pray earnestly for them to receive the Lord. šŸ™‚ Great post!

    • mimionlife
      Posted at 18:56h, 23 June Reply

      Amen Marcie. Through all our difficulties and stressful times, we need to lean on the Lord. Asking for His wisdom during those situations can be a blessing to us and to others. Have a wonderful weekend! šŸ™‚

  • Lynn J Simpson
    Posted at 16:04h, 23 June Reply

    Oh my, that would be a tough few days. I travel often for business so understand the tension that can occur at airports when a lot of people are under extra travel stress! What comes to mind is all the fruit of the Spirit that is within us. During those times of elevated pressure and stress we sure need to dig deep into them which your husband did!

    • mimionlife
      Posted at 18:53h, 23 June Reply

      Lynn, you are right. That was a tough few days. This weekend, things are back to normal and we are happy going grocery shopping and taking care of errands. However, I hear the airport is still in a mess. Praying for all those people. Have a blessed weekend!

  • Edna Davidsen
    Posted at 18:50h, 23 June Reply

    Dear Melissa!
    I enjoyed reading your post about your husbands trip. Sometimes it’s like in the movies, everything that can go wrong goes wrong šŸ™‚
    God bless,
    Edna Davidsen

    • mimionlife
      Posted at 18:55h, 23 June Reply

      Edna, yes, there are times when everything that can go wrong goes wrong. That is one reason our family motto and my blog are called “It’s Always A Story with The Henderson’s”. haha!! Have a great weekend!

  • Chandra Lynn
    Posted at 23:30h, 25 June Reply

    So happy your hubby was able to keep his cool and reflect God’s love/light. Once, my mom and I were trapped in an airport overnight–because the airline had overbooked flights. It was disappointing that the airline personnel would listen to no pleas regarding her health and the need to get on home immediately via the next flight out. Praise God we got through that experience without incident.

    • mimionlife
      Posted at 23:35h, 25 June Reply

      That sounds like an awful experience. So sorry the airline would not consider her health and the need to get home immediately. My husband said he felt like no one cared and no one was listening to the people waiting for flights. There are a lot of upset people. We are hoping no flights are scheduled for us any time soon. šŸ™‚ Thanks for reading and commenting. Have a blessed week!

      • Chandra Lynn
        Posted at 23:43h, 25 June Reply

        We survived. I don’t think my mom has flown since though. :-/ May you have a blessed week as well!

  • Carol Souders
    Posted at 10:30h, 26 June Reply

    What a story. So glad he made it home ok. Love your stories.

    • mimionlife
      Posted at 12:03h, 26 June Reply

      Thank you Carol. What a mess! Glad it’s all over now. Thanks for reading and commenting. Have a blessed week! šŸ™‚

  • Sydney Meek
    Posted at 00:31h, 27 June Reply

    I love this post! So happy Alan was able to reflect Christ in his actions! Thanks for sharing šŸ™‚

    • mimionlife
      Posted at 00:35h, 27 June Reply

      Thank you so much for reading and commenting. We are very thankful he is home safely. Also, thankful he could show God’s love during the stressful time. Have a blessed week!

  • ordinarilyextraordinarymom
    Posted at 19:39h, 28 June Reply

    Airports are so crazy. I came in from a work trip on Friday and finally made it on the last possible flight. My luggage did not. When I got it 24 hours later, it was soaking wet. BUT to think, how did I see God in all of that???? Yesss šŸ™ŒšŸ½šŸ™ŒšŸ½šŸ™ŒšŸ½šŸ™ŒšŸ½

    • mimionlife
      Posted at 20:39h, 28 June Reply

      So sorry your luggage did not arrive on time and then, to arrive wet. Wow!!! We are blessed to be able to see God in all our adventures. Have a great weekend! Thank you for reading and commenting. šŸ™‚

  • Peggy
    Posted at 00:47h, 29 June Reply

    I am glad your husband was not ON THE PLANE when the computer problem arose. I know you are thankful he is safely home. God protects us in a variety of ways we don’t even begin to understand or fully appreciate at times.

    • mimionlife
      Posted at 12:42h, 29 June Reply

      Yes, Peggy, I agree. We are thankful Alan was not on the plane when the computer glitch happened. Knowing God always has a plan is a great comfort. Thanks for reading and commenting. Have a blessed weekend!

  • VanessaHarrisInspires
    Posted at 23:30h, 02 July Reply

    What an ordeal! Itā€™s those trying times that develop character. Be nice if there were an easier way, right?

    • mimionlife
      Posted at 23:33h, 02 July Reply

      Yes, quite an ordeal! Many lessons were learned during that time. šŸ™‚ Thanks for reading and commenting. Have a great week!

  • Gena McCown
    Posted at 21:24h, 07 July Reply

    I literally can’t fly without this happening to me. When traveling as a group, no one takes the same flight as me because no matter what I get delayed, LOL. I usually try to find the humor in it and entertain others along the way. But my first delay that took over 24 hours stuck at an airport taught me a lot about how we treat one another. You see the helpers and the help themselvers. You learn more about how you want the world to see you.

    • mimionlife
      Posted at 21:33h, 07 July Reply

      Very interesting. I love how you refer to the “helpers and the help themselvers”. My husband definitely saw those different people, too. He still says he won’t fly again any time soon. We’ll see. Have a great weekend!

      • Gena McCown
        Posted at 02:15h, 13 July Reply

        I have a trip coming up and decided I was just going to drive.

  • jmshistorycorner
    Posted at 22:28h, 14 July Reply

    That was certainly an experience!

    • mimionlife
      Posted at 23:12h, 14 July Reply

      Yes, quite an experience. No plans for flying any time soon. šŸ™‚ Have a great weekend!

Leave a Reply to ordinarilyextraordinarymomCancel reply